February 13,2015

It’s been said—and sung—that money can’t buy love. Centuries of research put into disproving the theory have yet to make a strong case. But something nobody talks—or sings—about is the fact that the inverse is totally true: fact is love can save you money.

And it’s in that spirit of fiscal tenderness that… oh, geez. Look, I don’t know how to put this, and I’ve wanted to tell you for a long time—ever since that first install—but I like you. I mean I really like you, and what with Valentine’s day right around the corner and everything… I just think we were kinda meant to be together. I hope you feel the same way.

I hope you don’t think I’m crazy, but I just couldn’t keep these feelings locked inside any longer. Thanks for hearing me. You don’t need to answer right now—but I’ll need to know by midnight on February 16, 2015.

February 13,2015

Vance Gilbert

While Boston’s Vance Gilbert is known largely to singer-songwriter circles, to say he draws strictly from the book of Guthrie would be something of a disservice. While his lengthy discography bears many acoustic affairs, there’s a lot of blues in here. Add the fact that Vance got his start as a jazz singer—you can REALLY hear it in his inimitable, vulnerable vocal tones—and you have a unique blend of influences that create something simultaneously familiar and new. While this would be enough for some artists to get by on,Vance also brings significant guitar and lyrical chops to the table. The Boston Globe puts it better than I could, however, when of 2000’s Somerville Live they espoused, “Young songwriters should study this disc the way law students cram for bar exams.”

Turned out that it wasn’t just young songwriters who took note—over the years, Arlo Guthrie and Anita Baker both chose Vance for their support slot on the road, and he spent a year and a half touring in support of the late George Carlin.

Vance’s Nimbit store is a credit to his prolific recording and release schedule—somehow on top of a busy touring schedule, the man has managed to release a dozen albums since kicking off his career as a humble open mic night regular. Well… as humble as one can be when blowing minds. Some are available as digital download, others as CDs, some as both. Noteworthy among them is Side of the Road, a collaboration with fellow Nimbit torchbearer and close friend Ellis Paul.

There was a time when the Jersey Shore represented the best in American entertainment. Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, the Rat Pack, Dick Clark, Chubby Checker… they all made stops on the Jersey Shore. Tony Mart’s was the club Levon Helm was playing when Dylan called. Of course, we all know what happened in Asbury Park. The town, ravaged by riots in the late 60s, became a melting pot of musical experimentation. Late-night jams that ended when the sun came up were the norm. Bruce Springsteen and Southside Johnny were the two acts that made their way to an international stage from these humble beginnings.

For decades musicians have come and gone, always hoping to make a living and pursue a dream. Billy Walton is no different. Billy’s proving ground was Long Beach Island. Too young to drive around and enter the clubs on his own, Billy was chaperoned from gig to gig by his mom, always up for a jam and looking to learn some tricks. For years Billy spent his time sharpening his skills, developing his stage act until he decided to step up to center stage with the Billy Walton Band.

Billy’s talent was noticed by NJ legend Southside Johnny and was he invited to join the band. This is when Billy began formulating his version of the Jersey Shore sound. On his latest release, Wish For What You Want, Billy brought award-winning producer Tony Braunagel (Eric Burdon, Trampled Under Foot, Phantom Blues Band) into the mix to turn his musical vision into reality. The resulting sound is straight-up bluesy rock, no chaser, that’s a perfect fit for a Saturday night or a long drive.

February 12,2015

While Boston’s Vance Gilbert is known largely to singer-songwriter circles, to say he draws strictly from the book of Guthrie would be something of a disservice. While his lengthy discography bears many acoustic affairs, there’s a lot of blues in here. Add the fact that Vance got his start as a jazz singer—you can REALLY hear it in his inimitable, vulnerable vocal tones—and you have a unique blend of influences that create something simultaneously familiar and new. While this would be enough for some artists to get by on,Vance also brings significant guitar and lyrical chops to the table. The Boston Globe puts it better than I could, however, when of 2000’s Somerville Live they espoused, “Young songwriters should study this disc the way law students cram for bar exams.”

Turned out that it wasn’t just young songwriters who took note—over the years, Arlo Guthrie and Anita Baker both chose Vance for their support slot on the road, and he spent a year and a half touring in support of the late George Carlin.

Vance’s Nimbit store is a credit to his prolific recording and release schedule—somehow on top of a busy touring schedule, the man has managed to release a dozen albums since kicking off his career as a humble open mic night regular. Well… as humble as one can be when blowing minds. Some are available as digital download, others as CDs, some as both. Noteworthy among them is Side of the Road, a collaboration with fellow Nimbit torchbearer and close friend Ellis Paul.

February 9,2015

Join us for a FREE full-line demonstration of the WorxAudio by PreSonus loudspeaker family Including Ai-Series contractor systems, powerful X & V-Series line arrays and the subwoofers everyone is talking about. Learn about new AVB connectivity including how our StudioLive AI console mixers control and send audio to AI-series rackmount mixers. Everyone is welcome!

February 6,2015

Groove3 has a great new series brewing chock full of Studio One production tips.

In this, the first episode of the series, Scott from Groove3 takes a moment to list off what we’ll be learning before discussing how he has the session set up, and taking a full listen to the song that we’ll be working within coming episodes of the series.

January 30,2015

This free all-day event will feature presentations, training workshops and interactive panel discussions led by industry design consultants, AV installation contractors and IT networking experts. The event will also feature a major interoperability networking demonstration of Dante-enabled products and systems, several of which are debuting at ISE from the industry’s leading audio manufacturers. Dante AV Networking World 2015 has been approved by InfoComm International as a CTS accredited training program. Certified Technology Specialists (CTS) who participate in this informative networking training will be eligible to receive 4 RU credits upon completion of the class.

The Dante Installation Workshop will bring together teams from the audience to demonstrate how quickly and creatively a Dante network can be designed. The event will include raffles, giveaways and surprises throughout the day, as well as a sponsored lunch for all attendees and a hosted networking mixer at the end of the day.Seating is limited, so register now to reserve your seat for this premiere event at ISE.To register, click here:

January 30,2015

Look—we like to be humble, but come on—it’s nice to be noticed. And we got noticed at NAMM this year to the tune of five awards from various industry honchoes. We’re flattered, and it looks like we might need to be upgrading the old trophy case if this trend continues into next year. Here’s a recognition-roundup from The Loudest Show on Earth.

Last but not least, we got several noms that we didn’t result in us taking home a li’l statue or glass widget to put in the display case—but that’s OK. They can’t all be zingers. We may well have been the most-nominated company at the show, but we’ll draw the line at actually keeping score.